Charlie & Marilyn Radaz

Charlie and Marilyn Radaz's son, Jay, was 14 in 1976 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Jay was an active teen, lettering on his high school's championship golf team in Lompoc. After college he worked in hotel management, insurance and sales in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. But type 1 diabetes took a toll.

"It was just so hard," shared Marilyn. "That disease creeps up on you at different rates at different times. It was hard to see him struggle."

Jay lost sight in one eye from diabetic retinopathy, undergoing a vitrectomy to restore his vision. His kidneys failed, requiring dialysis.

The day after Christmas 2009, at age 47, Jay collapsed with his mom by his side.

"His heart had given out," his dad said.

"He's in such a better place than he was for such a long time," said Marilyn. "I miss him."

The Radazes lost their only child. But in their time of grief, Charlie and Marilyn wanted to help others. At Jay's memorial service, they asked that contributions be made to Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and they continue pledging to SDRI.

"We have always been proud to support SDRI," said Charlie. "It's a unique team that's doing this work, not just the research, but it's important to us to know they are sharing that development work with other people to speed the progress toward overcoming this disease. It's a fine place to support for trying to better for the world."

"When we pass on, we will remember SDRI," said 84-year old Charlie, a retired program manager at Lockheed Martin. He and Marilyn, an 82-year old former teacher, realtor and Lompoc clothing boutique owner, will celebrate 59 years of marriage on Valentine's Day 2019.

Our hearts are full of gratitude, Charlie and Marilyn. Thank you!​